Acts 14:1-6

AT ICONIUM. Acts 14:1-6 a.

Acts 14:1

And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.

Acts 14:2

But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren.

Acts 14:3

Long time therefore they tarried there speaking boldly in the Lord, who bare witness unto the word of his grace,

granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Acts 14:4

But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

Acts 14:5

And when there was made an onset both of the Gentiles and of the Jews with their rulers, to treat them shamefully and to stone them,

Acts 14:6

they became aware of it, and fled unto the cities of

Acts 14:1-3 Together Paul and Barnabas journeyed to the town of Iconium and entered the synagogue. The attendance at such services was for but one purpose, i.e. to preach Jesus as the Christ. There is an enlightening comment given regarding the preaching of these men here in Iconium. We all know that some preaching is not the kind that reaches the hearts of men. Luke states that Paul and Barnabas so spake that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed. We would do well to follow closely the method and message of the apostles that we, too, might so speak as to reach the hearts of those to whom we preach.

While some among the Jews opened their minds and obeyed the truth, there were others who refused the message, being disobedient not only to the truth but to their own conscience as well.

463.

What significant word is given regarding the preaching of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium?

The Gentiles were only the guests of the Jews as they attended the synagogue services. The Gentiles in this place as in many others saw something in the religion of the Jews that attracted their interest. But since they were ignorant of this new religion the words of the members of this belief would quite naturally be accepted as authoritative. Hence, when the rulers of the synagogue began to speak out against the doctrines of these two strangers their words were heeded by a good share of the uncircumcised. Some of the Gentiles were actually antagonistic toward the apostles as well as being opposed to those among their own group who had embraced this new belief.
Unless there was some real threat of bodily harm in the persecution, Paul could see no reason for leaving a place of labor. So, in spite of the active opposition of the jealous Jews there rang forth from the synagogue (and doubtless from house to house) the news that this Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ.
The Lord honored and confirmed their message with signs and wonders. It is of real interest to note that each time miracles are mentioned they are associated with the hands of either the apostles or those upon whom the apostles had laid their hands. Never do we hear the Christians of these towns working miracles through their great faith.

Acts 14:4-6 a The whole city of Iconium was shaken by the message of grace. Unfortunately however, it was divided about equally for and against the apostles. This fact would only encourage the apostles to draw the more closely to their source of power; but when knowledge of a plot to stone them reached their ears, and when they perceived that not only the envious Jews but also the Gentiles and rulers of the city were involved, they were forced to make a hasty retreat. The province of Lycaonia is the next to be entered in the preaching of the Word.

464.

How could the Jews stir up the Gentiles so readily?

465.

Why the signs and wonders? How performed?

466.

Why leave Iconium?